Credit: Pete StevensCongratulations to Zombies and ex-Kinks bassist Jim Rodford, who this past week was bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Arts degree by the U.K.’s University of Hertfordshire for his services to music. Rodford was presented with the honor at a ceremony held Saturday at St. Albans Cathedral in his hometown of St. Albans, England, The Herts Advertiser reports.

In accepting the award, the 76-year-old musician said, “Having been born and bred in St. Albans and lived here all my life, it gives me great pleasure to be honored this way by the University of Hertfordshire,” which is located in nearby Hatfield, U.K.

After playing with various bands and artists early in his career, Rodford became a founding member of the prog-rock group Argent in 1969. The band was led by original Zombies keyboardist Rod Argent, who was Jim’s cousin. In 1978, Rodford joined The Kinks and played with the influential group until its 1996 breakup. In 2001, Jim became a member of the re-formed Zombies and has played with them ever since.

In addition, Rodford has long served as a mentor to music students who attend the University of Hertfordshire, and to other young local musicians. He’s also a supporter of the school’s plan to create a gallery and museum on St. Albans, and is involved in various charities.

Rodford’s next scheduled show with The Zombies takes place September 29 in London and is the finale of the band’s 2017 tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the making of its classic album, Odessey and Oracle.